Managed Clinical Networks (MCNs)

Forth Valley and Ayrshire & Arran health boards have established MCNs for MS ( visit the website for the Ayrshire & Arran MCN). The MS Society Scotland believes that MCNs would be one answer to the inadequacies of current service provision.

MCNs bring together health professionals responsible for providing a particular service so that they can work together across administrative and professional boundaries. The aim is to give patients equal access to a high quality service.

There are many advantages of MCNs for people affected by MS:

• Professionals with specialist knowledge
  
  
• Consistent standards and quality of treatment
  
  
• Involvement of many professionals to meet the needs of different age groups
  
  
• Increased awareness of the range of provision available 
   
• Greater continuity of care and build-up of long-term relationships with professionals 
   
• Smooth co-ordination of complex, high quality services
  
  
• Network approach protects people who are vulnerable
  
  
• System which is responsive to people's changing needs 
   
• Many different professional perspectives and person centred
  
  
• Services for those affected by MS as well as people with MS